Recent developments with this project

Studies confirm multiple health benefits from completed greenway

May 4, 2016 - We commissioned a study by the UBC Health and Community Design Lab and partnered with the centre for Hip Health and Mobility on another study entitled, "Active Streets, Active People". Both studies examined the effects of improved access to walking, cycling and opportunities for social connection along the completed greenway. Results included:

Once the full Comox-Helmcken Study research findings have been published the full report will be available on our website.

June 2013 - Section 1 of Comox-Helmcken Greenway is now completed.

Tell us what you think about the road construction work

May 6, 2013 - Let us know how well we are managing and communicating the road construction work for the Comox-Helmcken Greenway.

The questionnaire is now closed. Thank you for your interest.

December 12, 2012

City Council approves Comox-Helmcken Greenway. Construction expected early January 2013.

November 2, 2012
The survey is now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent public events and our online surveys. A summary report will be posted online prior to the City Council meeting on 11 December 2012.

Open houses

We have incorporated your feedback on the Greenway and now have a detailed design to share with you. Come out to an open house to view the proposed design for Section 1 of the Comox-Helmcken Greenway and provide your comments on the proposed route for Section 2 on:

October 4, 2012
West End Community Centre, 12-3 pm
English Bay Room, 870 Denman Street

Reports and documents

Research reports

Maps and details of the Section 1 design

Section 1 of the Greenway includes Comox and Helmcken streets in the West End (between Stanley Park and Hornby Street). It is a walking and cycling route. Section 1 of the Greenway was completed in June 2013.

Section 2 route

Development of Section 2 from Hornby Street to the False Creek Seawall is a medium-term priority for the City. It will take additional time to propose a design for this route due to the complexity of the project. The rescheduled project timeline will allow the City more time for additional listening and learning through extensive consultation with external partners and key stakeholders.

2040 Transportation Plan

The City’s Transportation 2040 Plan envisions an efficient transportation system to support a thriving economy, a healthy, safe, accessible and vibrant city, and an improved natural environment. Specific targets include having two-thirds of all trips in Vancouver by sustainable modes by 2040 and eliminating traffic-related fatalities.

Transportation 2040 includes visions to make walking safe, convenient, comfortable, and delightful; and cycling safe, convenient, comfortable, and fun for people of all ages and abilities (AAA), including seniors and children.

2002 Downtown Transportation Plan

The 2002 Downtown Transportation Plan included recommendations approved by Council to guide development of the Greenway along the preferred route alignment of Comox and Helmcken streets. This was a result of feedback from the community about the quiet, well treed residential character of Comox Street with its important connections to historic Mole Hill and Nelson Park and Yaletown, Seaside Greenway and False Creek Ferries.

Project details

Section 1: Comox and Helmcken streets in the West End (between Stanley Park and Hornby Street) is a walking and cycling route. It was completed in June 2013.

Section 2: Hornby Street to the False Creek Seawall. It is a medium-term priority for the City, and will take additional time to propose a design for this route due to the complexity of the project.

Maps with further design details for Section 1 are available in the Documents tab.

Section 1

Comox Street: Stanley Park Drive to Burrard Street

Improved intersections with corner bulges and curb ramps to provide a shorter and safer crossing as well as places for neighbours to garden, sit and socialize

Improved sidewalks and lighting

Traffic restrictions for traffic calming

Bicycles share the street with cars except for two blocks where there are higher vehicle volumes and specific requirements for the hotels and hospital.

Burrard Street: Comox Street to Helmcken Street

The sidewalk has been widened on the east side of Burrard. Cyclists can use the sidewalk and are separated from pedestrians.

A new traffic signal and bike signals for the Burrard Street and Comox Street intersection to improve circulation for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles

Helmcken Street: Burrard Street to Hornby Street

A two-way separated bike lane on the south side of the street to separate cyclists from vehicle traffic

Work leading up to the proposed design plan for Section 1 of the Greenway

The Comox-Helmcken Greenway is part of the City Greenway network, connecting Stanley Park to False Creek. The Greenway route was approved by Council as part of the 2002 Downtown Transportation Plan.

In the fall of 2011, City staff consulted with businesses, seniors, children, youth and others and took into consideration their feedback in the proposed Greenway through open houses, walking tours (guided and self guided), workshops with youth and seniors, a survey, and community and stakeholder meetings. We wanted feedback from people of all ages in order to develop a successful greenway project that would serve the needs of the community and the city as a whole.

In total, 619 people participated in the consultation process:

224 residents responded to the survey, which was available online and in hard copy at events.

Approximately 300 students participated in children and youth workshops.

65 seniors participated in the walking tours and seniors workshops.

What we heard during public consultations

The following information was collected at the open houses, workshops, meetings, walking tours and the online survey.

Top five topics from the general public

Topic

Description

On-street parking

On-street parking is important to residents.

Access to residence, business

Many residents would like to maintain vehicle access to their front doors while some would like to see streets closed.

Less traffic

Most residents would like to see less traffic on their streets.

Change to neighbourhood, streets

While some residents want their street to remain as is, others would like to see improvements, including a greenway.

Separating bikes from traffic and pedestrians

While some residents are concerned about bike lanes, other want bikes off the sidewalk and safer cycling to school for children.

Biggest potential concerns

When asked to imagine using the Comox-Helmcken Greenway people ranked the following as their biggest potential concerns:

Increased pedestrian/ cyclist traffic

Reduced emergency access

Traffic impacts on adjacent streets

Temporary construction impacts

Project costs

Landscape maintenance

Reduced number of vehicle lanes

Features for promoting active lifestyles

When asked to imagine using the Comox-Helmcken Greenway to promote an active lifestyle people ranked the following features as contributing to this vision: